Brain Exercises for Seniors to Support Memory and Mental Sharpness
With its small-town ambiance and big-city convenience, Temple, TX is a prime retirement location. You want to get the most from your retirement. You can exercise to keep your body in shape, but what about your brain?
In fact, brain exercises for seniors can effectively support memory and cognitive function. You can choose from a variety of fun activities to support brain health.
Keep reading for memory boosting tips and enjoyable mind workouts for seniors that can help keep your brain young.
Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are often the first senior cognitive activities that come to mind when you're looking for brain exercises. You can find them in newspapers, crossword books, or in digital form.
Crossword puzzles are beneficial for several reasons. First, they're a moderately difficult cognitive task, which can promote brain health. They engage several regions of your brain. Crossword puzzles can stimulate new neural connections as you link concepts you might not have otherwise thought of together.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine Evidence found that participants who did crossword puzzles for 30 minutes a day, four times a week, had almost the same improvement in cognition as people taking an FDA-approved memory-enhancing medication. The study indicated that crosswords can promote better brain health, even in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Sudoku and Other Number Puzzles
Number puzzles can be a fun source of mental stimulation for aging adults. Sudoku is one of the most popular number games, but you may also enjoy kakuro, magic squares, or logic grid puzzles.
Sudoku involves executive cognitive functions like solving problems and making decisions. A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that doing number puzzles regularly corresponded to higher cognitive function. The greatest advantage was for participants who reported doing number puzzles more than once a day.
Cards and Board Games
Card games can boost cognitive function. They require skills such as:
- Attention
- Observation
- Memory and recall
- Calculation
- Language and communication
A study of older adults in China found that participants who played cards regularly had better cognitive function than those who didn't.
Playing traditional board games can support brain health. Board games require skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and memorization. Studies have shown that playing board games can slow cognitive decline.
Chess
Chess is one of the most-studied games in relation to mind workouts for seniors. Chess is a challenging, logic-based game that requires intricate strategies. Studies suggest that chess may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.
Playing cards and board games are a social activity that is also beneficial for brain health.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles can be fun brain exercises for seniors whether done alone or with friends. Jigsaw puzzles challenge your visuospatial skills, including mental rotation and perception. They require both working and episodic memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.
A study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests that regularly doing jigsaw puzzles may protect against cognitive decline. The benefits for brain health were small in the short term but grew over time.
Brain Training Games
More high-tech brain games for the elderly can be found online or through apps for your phone or tablet. Brain training games typically focus on building memory skills and the ability to remember patterns.
A review of published studies on the benefits of these games found that they can improve cognitive function in people older than 60. However, this was true only for older adults without preexisting cognitive impairment.
Digital brain games can support several areas of cognitive health, including:
- Executive function (planning, attention, and the ability to handle multiple tasks)
- Processing speed
- Verbal memory
- Working memory
Try to vary the types of games you play to keep giving your brain a new challenge. One caution about digital games: avoid screen time close to when you'll be going to bed because the blue light can make falling asleep more difficult.
3D Video Games
Three-dimensional (3D) video games are another type of brain exercise to try. 3D games create a more immersive experience with graphics that have height, width, and depth. Spatial exploration in the game engages the part of your brain that helps you navigate the real world.
A study published in Behavioural Brain Research showed that playing 3D video games improved hippocampal-based memory. The effects were evident for older adults whether or not they were already experiencing cognitive decline.
Physical Exercise
Physical exercise benefits your brain as well as your body. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that exercise can lower the risk of cognitive decline. It boosts memory and reduces anxiety.
Any amount of physical activity can help. Over the course of a week, older adults should try to incorporate:
- Aerobic activities, like walking or swimming
- Muscle-strengthening exercises, like using resistance bands or lifting weights
- Balance activities, like walking heel-to-toe or standing on one leg
Certain types of activities may be especially beneficial for brain health.
Dancing and Sports
Dancing and many sports engage both physical and cognitive skills. Dancing requires you to remember the sequence of movements. It develops spatial awareness and coordination.
Playing sports hones your ability to pay attention and stay focused. You have to plan and adapt to changing situations.
Tai Chi
Tai chi originated as a martial art in ancient China. It consists of fluid, slow movements designed to create harmony between the mind and body.
Tai chi requires balance and focus. It develops your coordination and your ability to follow and remember the movements.
Have Fun with Brain Exercises for Seniors
Brain exercises for seniors don't need to be boring and dry. On the contrary, the more engaging they are, the more likely they are to stimulate your cognition. Crosswords, sudoku, cards, and jigsaw puzzles are just a few fun brain games for elderly people.
Morada Temple has the facilities and support you need to promote brain health as you age. We offer a variety of games and activities every month, as well as robust health and fitness programming. Our independent and skilled nursing communities have been welcoming residents in Temple for almost 40 years.
Schedule a tour of Morada Temple today to see how our vibrant community can help you live your best life.